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Death Before Dragons #3
Tangled Truths
Dealing with dragons is hard. Dealing with a teenage daughter is even harder.
My new mission involves both. Weird things are happening in Northern Idaho, and my boss is sending me to investigate. Unfortunately, my daughter and ex-husband are vacationing in the town that’s at the center of the trouble. Coincidence? Or is someone targeting them to get at me?
I’m a wanted woman right now. Not only by the criminal werewolves, orcs, and trolls that I’m often hired to kill. But by the Dragon Justice Court.
An organization full of arrogant, powerful dragons is exactly as horrible as it sounds. They’re the last beings you’d want after your family. If I can’t get to the bottom of the mystery and convince the dragons I’m not their enemy, I stand to lose far more than my own life.
My new mission involves both. Weird things are happening in Northern Idaho, and my boss is sending me to investigate. Unfortunately, my daughter and ex-husband are vacationing in the town that’s at the center of the trouble. Coincidence? Or is someone targeting them to get at me?
I’m a wanted woman right now. Not only by the criminal werewolves, orcs, and trolls that I’m often hired to kill. But by the Dragon Justice Court.
An organization full of arrogant, powerful dragons is exactly as horrible as it sounds. They’re the last beings you’d want after your family. If I can’t get to the bottom of the mystery and convince the dragons I’m not their enemy, I stand to lose far more than my own life.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2020
1475 people are currently reading
852 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
191 books6,075 followersI'm a full-time indie fantasy and science fiction author. When I'm not writing, I'm ferrying my dogs to hiking trails for adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 474 reviews
October 18, 2020
Another great read!
Not quite the 5 stars that I gave Battle Bond but definitely a fabulous read, very enjoyable.
I love the way the characters are developing, with Tangled Truths seeing more happening on the Zav and Val front, this is very exciting and I can't wait to see what else happens. Side stories with Val's family and Val's history are now surfacing nicely alongside the prime storyline and again, very exciting.
The 4 star rating was only because I did become a little bored with the inquisitor storyline but once it kicked in, it was a worthy ending.
I love that this is on Kindle Unlimited UK because the next book is waiting to be read already!!!
Not quite the 5 stars that I gave Battle Bond but definitely a fabulous read, very enjoyable.
I love the way the characters are developing, with Tangled Truths seeing more happening on the Zav and Val front, this is very exciting and I can't wait to see what else happens. Side stories with Val's family and Val's history are now surfacing nicely alongside the prime storyline and again, very exciting.
The 4 star rating was only because I did become a little bored with the inquisitor storyline but once it kicked in, it was a worthy ending.
I love that this is on Kindle Unlimited UK because the next book is waiting to be read already!!!
April 11, 2020
3.5
Okay, so I had the same problem with this book as I did the last one. The fact that everyone pretty much seems to say snarky rude things to the main h, hates her guts, or just straight up want to kill her.
Even her friends and family kind of rag on her (albeit in a loving way I guess) But I like her character, and I think her job it tough, but obviously necessary given the circumstances. But aren't there any other people out there that are protecting our realm like she is? Why is she the only one that gets assignation attempts by almost all of the supernatural community?
Also, I get that she's this big bad assassin, and if thats the case you'd think some of the supernaturals might be weary or at least hesitant of messing with her right? Nope. The second she walks into a room even if she's not doing anything at all she gets all these different magical beings trying to murder her on the spot without even a second thought. It just makes them all seem mindlessly violent.
Also, I kind of feel bad that I don't feel bad for a lot of the magical creatures in this book. I understand they are refugees coming to earth to try and start over and make a home- but if they don't even attempt to follow the "rules" of earth, and don't see anything wrong with killing, stealing, or pushing people out of their homes...it makes it tough to sympathize with them. Then they also act like it's so unfair that their expected not to murder, pillage, and rape humans and shouldn't face punishment. I don't know....
Also I guess the political system is a little strange to me too. The humans aren't exactly making it easy b.c they don't recognize supernaturals as having rights, and most of the civilians don't even know they exist. But werewolves have lawyers and there are no prisons to hold them...?
Honestly, at this point I'm just reading for the weird relationship between Val and Zav even if he I'm still feeling the potential.
Okay, so I had the same problem with this book as I did the last one. The fact that everyone pretty much seems to say snarky rude things to the main h, hates her guts, or just straight up want to kill her.
Even her friends and family kind of rag on her (albeit in a loving way I guess) But I like her character, and I think her job it tough, but obviously necessary given the circumstances. But aren't there any other people out there that are protecting our realm like she is? Why is she the only one that gets assignation attempts by almost all of the supernatural community?
Also, I get that she's this big bad assassin, and if thats the case you'd think some of the supernaturals might be weary or at least hesitant of messing with her right? Nope. The second she walks into a room even if she's not doing anything at all she gets all these different magical beings trying to murder her on the spot without even a second thought. It just makes them all seem mindlessly violent.
Also, I kind of feel bad that I don't feel bad for a lot of the magical creatures in this book. I understand they are refugees coming to earth to try and start over and make a home- but if they don't even attempt to follow the "rules" of earth, and don't see anything wrong with killing, stealing, or pushing people out of their homes...it makes it tough to sympathize with them. Then they also act like it's so unfair that their expected not to murder, pillage, and rape humans and shouldn't face punishment. I don't know....
Also I guess the political system is a little strange to me too. The humans aren't exactly making it easy b.c they don't recognize supernaturals as having rights, and most of the civilians don't even know they exist. But werewolves have lawyers and there are no prisons to hold them...?
Honestly, at this point I'm just reading for the weird relationship between Val and Zav even if he I'm still feeling the potential.
April 25, 2020
This is third in a UF series with character arcs and plot that build over time. You definitely want to start at the beginning with these.
By book three, you mostly know what you're going to get. I had some worry that introducing her ex, and particularly her daughter, would make things stupid. I hate fortune's hostage situations and bringing the vulnerable under threat to force a protagonist's hand is something of a given in such situations. I should have trusted Buroker better because I know she's a capable and talented storyteller. Though yes, there is some of that use of the vulnerable in the story.
I'm not sure what I think about the Zav/Val relationship at the end. Neither one seem terribly happy being together and even their physical attraction (when he's in human guise) is fraught with insecurity and doubt. As it should be (that isn't a complaint). I think I'm open to the developments here, but I'm a bit on hold until I see what things really mean in the next book.
Relationship qualms aside, I really enjoyed seeing Val be more diplomat than assassin in this story and the family interactions were outstanding. So not a bury-the-needle five stars, but rounding up to five works for me.
A note about Steamy: Val and Zav share some hot tub time in traditional hot tub manner. Ironically, it's only mildly steamy for all it's in a hot tub, and not terribly explicit (and not actual sex). Still, it's enough that I'm tagging the steam (hot tub!) though at the very mildest possible level.
By book three, you mostly know what you're going to get. I had some worry that introducing her ex, and particularly her daughter, would make things stupid. I hate fortune's hostage situations and bringing the vulnerable under threat to force a protagonist's hand is something of a given in such situations. I should have trusted Buroker better because I know she's a capable and talented storyteller. Though yes, there is some of that use of the vulnerable in the story.
I'm not sure what I think about the Zav/Val relationship at the end. Neither one seem terribly happy being together and even their physical attraction (when he's in human guise) is fraught with insecurity and doubt. As it should be (that isn't a complaint). I think I'm open to the developments here, but I'm a bit on hold until I see what things really mean in the next book.
Relationship qualms aside, I really enjoyed seeing Val be more diplomat than assassin in this story and the family interactions were outstanding. So not a bury-the-needle five stars, but rounding up to five works for me.
A note about Steamy: Val and Zav share some hot tub time in traditional hot tub manner. Ironically, it's only mildly steamy for all it's in a hot tub, and not terribly explicit (and not actual sex). Still, it's enough that I'm tagging the steam (hot tub!) though at the very mildest possible level.
March 14, 2021
Tangled Truths is book three in the Death Before Dragons series by Lindsay Buroker. It’s a roller coaster ride full of action and adventure.
It’s a little slow to start, but then things pick up and where racing along with Val to solve the issues in a small vacation town.
We are introduced to Val’s ex and her daughter. We see their current relationship and how things are a bit estranged. I liked getting this background. It helps us understand Val and see why she left her family. More dragons pop up and Val ends up with more problems than expected.
I’m still not sure about our relationship between Zav and Val. Neither seams happy to be together. Their physical attraction is fraught with doubt and insecurity. We do get a nice HOT hot tube scene. I’m still not sure if Zav truly likes/loves Val or not. Then Zav drops a BOMB on Val at the end. Not sure where their relationship will go, but I’m curious.
Relationship issues aside I liked seeing Val being more diplomatic than assassin. She didn’t rush to kill and is learning to change her ways and find other options.
Death Before Dragons is a very entertaining Urban Fantasy series. It’s got everything I enjoy in a UF. Action, adventure, mystery, kick-ass heroine, and distinctive mythical creatures.
Rated: 4 Stars
It’s a little slow to start, but then things pick up and where racing along with Val to solve the issues in a small vacation town.
We are introduced to Val’s ex and her daughter. We see their current relationship and how things are a bit estranged. I liked getting this background. It helps us understand Val and see why she left her family. More dragons pop up and Val ends up with more problems than expected.
I’m still not sure about our relationship between Zav and Val. Neither seams happy to be together. Their physical attraction is fraught with doubt and insecurity. We do get a nice HOT hot tube scene. I’m still not sure if Zav truly likes/loves Val or not. Then Zav drops a BOMB on Val at the end. Not sure where their relationship will go, but I’m curious.
Relationship issues aside I liked seeing Val being more diplomatic than assassin. She didn’t rush to kill and is learning to change her ways and find other options.
Death Before Dragons is a very entertaining Urban Fantasy series. It’s got everything I enjoy in a UF. Action, adventure, mystery, kick-ass heroine, and distinctive mythical creatures.
Rated: 4 Stars
April 11, 2020
Hhhmm, so I have a bit of a love hate relationship with this series. I'm loving Val and the world and characters, the various threads to the overall story are keeping me reading along at a fast pace and picking up the books pretty much one after another and I can't help but enjoy Lindsay Buroker's writing as usual. And if I'm being honest, I'm also reading for a large part, to see how Val & Zav's weird relationship develops!
BUT I have lots of frustrations! I am feeling like the way everyone is treating Val is pretty unfair, I REALLY don't like the way the politics and legal system stuff seems to work - on the one hand humans just don't seem to have proper protection against the magical, even when defending themselves (especially with the dragon court of justice etc) - although a lot of humans seem to not even believe anything magical is real... but then on the other hand the treatment of the magical beings coming to seek refuge on Earth seems crap too. I mean they don't seem to have any rights or protection either, as they are not deemed as "real" and so don't have any human laws protecting them.
It's an all around shitty situation, which I am finding quite frustrating, so I hope Val & Zav are going to pave the way to making changes to all this!!
I eagerly await the next in the series meant to be out in May! :)
BUT I have lots of frustrations! I am feeling like the way everyone is treating Val is pretty unfair, I REALLY don't like the way the politics and legal system stuff seems to work - on the one hand humans just don't seem to have proper protection against the magical, even when defending themselves (especially with the dragon court of justice etc) - although a lot of humans seem to not even believe anything magical is real... but then on the other hand the treatment of the magical beings coming to seek refuge on Earth seems crap too. I mean they don't seem to have any rights or protection either, as they are not deemed as "real" and so don't have any human laws protecting them.
It's an all around shitty situation, which I am finding quite frustrating, so I hope Val & Zav are going to pave the way to making changes to all this!!
I eagerly await the next in the series meant to be out in May! :)
November 15, 2023
Could I love this series anymore??? Highly doubtable. I do wonder how the romance will go -- if there will be one!
Val & her tiger are the best. I don't know if there is a series I highlight more passages in than this one.
Val & her tiger are the best. I don't know if there is a series I highlight more passages in than this one.
March 3, 2023
I am thoroughly enjoying this series! Every book has so much heart and humor that they are totally addictive.
June 18, 2021
I much preferred this book compared to the first two books. Much more low-key and somewhat introspective compared to the action without any substance of the first two.
Val is called to investigate a series of mishaps in the village her teenage daughter, ex-husband, and mother are vacationing at. She talks to her daughter for the first time in years but the whole interaction falls flat. The dragon lord Zav lies to the Dragon Council about the illegal death of a dragon to save Val's life and somehow declares her his mate. The evil dark elves are planning the potential mass murder of humans and shape-shifters using dark orbs, but that isn't followed in this book.
This is the first book where Val uses her brain and her words to solve a problem rather than coming in guns blazing. She "connects" with her long-lost daughter but the whole meeting was superficial and rushed. Her relationship and underlying sexual tension with Zav is about the only thing that makes thing series redeemable in my eyes.
Val is called to investigate a series of mishaps in the village her teenage daughter, ex-husband, and mother are vacationing at. She talks to her daughter for the first time in years but the whole interaction falls flat. The dragon lord Zav lies to the Dragon Council about the illegal death of a dragon to save Val's life and somehow declares her his mate. The evil dark elves are planning the potential mass murder of humans and shape-shifters using dark orbs, but that isn't followed in this book.
This is the first book where Val uses her brain and her words to solve a problem rather than coming in guns blazing. She "connects" with her long-lost daughter but the whole meeting was superficial and rushed. Her relationship and underlying sexual tension with Zav is about the only thing that makes thing series redeemable in my eyes.
February 3, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ There aren’t enough words to describe how much I am loving this series. The humor is exquisite and I can’t stop gushing about the characters. In this one we get to see Val’s daughter, ex-husband and more of her mom. This just added another element to the story that in no way detracted from the main plot. There is still action but rather than being her usual, trigger-happy self, Val worked harder to be diplomatic and it worked in her favor because it demonstrated her character growth. Also, for the instances where she did have to use brute force she was bada**, as usual.
I still love her banter with Sindari. Zav is more prominent in this one and I was so happy to see him and Val be a bit more cordial& less hostile toward each other. Their banters & dialogue had me laughing/smiling most of the time. They may have their reservations and may not always get along but we can see the distance between them shrinking. So romantically, I like where things are heading for them.
There were a few twists, some that blindsided me and others that I kinda, sorta saw coming at the end. Regardless, that did not, in any way, make new developments/twists any less exciting. I absolutely adored this book. I don’t think I can stop reading from this author even if I tried.
CONTENT
Romance: Kissing, Innuendo throughout, A steamy make out scene (short)
Violence: Moderate (action packed but not too detailed/gruesome)
Language: Moderate (A**, S**t & variations, 2 F-bombs), some crude speech.
I still love her banter with Sindari. Zav is more prominent in this one and I was so happy to see him and Val be a bit more cordial& less hostile toward each other. Their banters & dialogue had me laughing/smiling most of the time. They may have their reservations and may not always get along but we can see the distance between them shrinking. So romantically, I like where things are heading for them.
There were a few twists, some that blindsided me and others that I kinda, sorta saw coming at the end. Regardless, that did not, in any way, make new developments/twists any less exciting. I absolutely adored this book. I don’t think I can stop reading from this author even if I tried.
CONTENT
Romance: Kissing, Innuendo throughout, A steamy make out scene (short)
Violence: Moderate (action packed but not too detailed/gruesome)
Language: Moderate (A**, S**t & variations, 2 F-bombs), some crude speech.
January 7, 2021
Read it in one go. It was FANTASTIC! I loved all the new developments. I am utterly satisfied with Val's inner growing. I now she's strong, independent etc. but showing a little bit of gratitude doesn't hurt when trying to built relationships with other beings (especially those who saves our lifes ;) ). I simply LOVE this intoxicating tension between Val and Zav (be still my heart!). Val's mum is also growing on me! She's funny, and let's be honest, she must be an extraordinary woman - she caught an eye of a very important elf. It's not a regular thing. I missed Zoltan in this book but hope we will see more of him in next :).
Can't wait for book 4! In this crazy world with covid 19 locking us down at homes, books like Lindsay's are our salvation from all this fear and sadness.
Can't wait for book 4! In this crazy world with covid 19 locking us down at homes, books like Lindsay's are our salvation from all this fear and sadness.
December 7, 2023
At times the author lays things a bit thick with multiple winks and hints of things that are obviously bound to happen. Nonetheless it is a light fun read with amusing moments and confusing bridge between the supernaturals and the mundane. As long as you suspend some criticism {including in terms of interpersonal relationships} it is a fun ride..
July 1, 2022
I am enjoying this series so far and decided to listen to the third book as well. This continues to be a good series. I like the pacing and the way Val gets involved in a new mission in each book, but there are also overarching storylines. In Tangled Truths she's to investigate some weird rumors close to where her ex husband and daughter are vacationing. So she has to figure out what's happening there and also see her daughter again for the first time in years and navigate that. Then on top of that there is a new dragon again that is interested in her and finding out what she had to do with a dragons death in book2.
I liked following Val along on this new adventure. It was interesting to see her deal with everything going on and I liked she came up with some peaceful solutions as well to some of the problems, but there is still plenty of action as well. I was feeling a bit mixed about the direction some of the plots where going in, but I was happy a certain plot line didn't go in the direction I feared, although I am not sure what to think of the new solution. I liked seeing Val's daughter in this book and the way they awkwardly interact after years of not speaking. I am curious to see how that develops in future books.
Val and Zav's romance progresses a bit again and in some scenes I really like them together. There is some great banter between them and I can start feeling the romance a bit. Then in other scenes they act in such a way I just can't see a relationship work between them or maybe only after some changes in both of them. I am curious to see how this will develop and where things go next.
One thing that bothers me is how overly powerful the dragons are. It just feels that even Val can't do much against them. I do appreciate she still tries to stand her ground against them, but I don't find it as interesting how overly strong they are and how all the other races don't even come close. We do get to know a bit more about their political system in this book to understand the dragons a bit more, but I just don't like the power imbalance and the dragon's attitude.
I was happy I listened to this on audio as the narrator really fits this series well. She does all the different voices and emotions well and it's fun to listen to it.
To summarize: This was another good book in the series. I listened to audio again which was great, I like the narrator. There is a new mission for Val in this book and she gets to see her daughter again whom she hasn't seen in years and the overarching dragon plot line is continuing as another dragon is coming after Val. There is enough going on and I thought the pacing was done well. I liked seeing Val deal with everything that came her way and even find a peaceful solution to some problems. I found it interesting to see how Val and her daughter interacted. The romance between Val and Zav continues and while I am liking their romance more than in book 1 I am still a bit on the fence at times. There are some great scenes with them and other times I just can't see a romance working between them unless they both change some things. I am enjoying this series and look forward to the next book.
I liked following Val along on this new adventure. It was interesting to see her deal with everything going on and I liked she came up with some peaceful solutions as well to some of the problems, but there is still plenty of action as well. I was feeling a bit mixed about the direction some of the plots where going in, but I was happy a certain plot line didn't go in the direction I feared, although I am not sure what to think of the new solution. I liked seeing Val's daughter in this book and the way they awkwardly interact after years of not speaking. I am curious to see how that develops in future books.
Val and Zav's romance progresses a bit again and in some scenes I really like them together. There is some great banter between them and I can start feeling the romance a bit. Then in other scenes they act in such a way I just can't see a relationship work between them or maybe only after some changes in both of them. I am curious to see how this will develop and where things go next.
One thing that bothers me is how overly powerful the dragons are. It just feels that even Val can't do much against them. I do appreciate she still tries to stand her ground against them, but I don't find it as interesting how overly strong they are and how all the other races don't even come close. We do get to know a bit more about their political system in this book to understand the dragons a bit more, but I just don't like the power imbalance and the dragon's attitude.
I was happy I listened to this on audio as the narrator really fits this series well. She does all the different voices and emotions well and it's fun to listen to it.
To summarize: This was another good book in the series. I listened to audio again which was great, I like the narrator. There is a new mission for Val in this book and she gets to see her daughter again whom she hasn't seen in years and the overarching dragon plot line is continuing as another dragon is coming after Val. There is enough going on and I thought the pacing was done well. I liked seeing Val deal with everything that came her way and even find a peaceful solution to some problems. I found it interesting to see how Val and her daughter interacted. The romance between Val and Zav continues and while I am liking their romance more than in book 1 I am still a bit on the fence at times. There are some great scenes with them and other times I just can't see a romance working between them unless they both change some things. I am enjoying this series and look forward to the next book.
April 13, 2020
What's not to like about this latest book in the series? Half elf/human snarky assassin and overbearing dragon, throw in a mother, her ex, her daughter and a smart ass tiger with a great attitude and you've got a great series going. Since I read all 3 books fairly quickly ( after all during a pandemic is a great time to catch up on reading and trying out new series) I decided I would comment on the last book. Val is a great character with more walls up than anyone, throw in Zav a dragon with a superiority complex and you know that its a match made in heaven. Finally things started to move along for these two in that more intimate setting but throw in goblins, Sasquatch and angry dragons who do nothing but make life hard for our heroes and romance gets side tracked. When Lindsey decides on book 4 I am quite looking forward to seeing where things happen. I am waiting patiently - I promise.
July 11, 2020
“I’ve only attempted to skim your surface thoughts, not do a vayushnarak.”
“And that is what?”
“A forced reading. It’s painful for the recipient.”
“Tell me about it.” Zav opened his mouth, but I lifted a hand. “No, that was sarcasm. I know all about it. Trust me. He was digging in for a few minutes there before you arrived.”
I touched my temple and winced. It was sore, and my fingers found dried blood. Zav leaned over to see the side of my head and his jaw clenched, a muscle high in his cheek tensing.
“You will stay with me,” he growled, his tone sending a little shiver down my spine, “and I will protect you.”
“How about you stay with me and I’ll educate you in the ways of human hand gestures. Next, we can cover fist bumps.”
April 3, 2020
The first half annoyed me because Val just can’t seem to learn sometimes. What could possibly be helpful about walking into a bar where everyone hates you, knowing they’ll attack you. That’s stupid. Anyways. The second half of the book was pretty cool. I like the family aspect and that Val can work around her weaknesses when problems arise. I’m very interested in the plot, but a bit peeved by the characters and the ridiculousness of their conversations. Sometimes it’s genuinely funny, other times it’s just too much. I’m looking forward to book 4 though, the big reveals at the end were fun.
August 18, 2021
While I'm enjoying these books, they keep losing points for stupid things like: why did Val need to get naked? She could have done her ruse sitting on the porch swing. Why? Because the author thinks it's funny to keep pushing unnecessary sexual tension into an otherwise enjoyable story. If I want that, I'd be reading PNR, not urban fantasy. grrrrrrr
July 27, 2021
This series just keeps getting better and better
The first novel set the bar really high, but this series continues to improve with each book. I can't wait to see where life will take Val now that Zac and Amber are in her life.
The first novel set the bar really high, but this series continues to improve with each book. I can't wait to see where life will take Val now that Zac and Amber are in her life.
January 3, 2021
The dragon parts weren't as bad as I feared, and neither was the family reunion. The ending was epic, and I love her boss - especially that ending discussion.
April 1, 2021
Another fantastic addition to this series. I'm so, so, so glad we finally got to meet Val's family. I hadn't expected me and Thad to be vibin', but I do kinda like the guy. I'm interested to see what the Dark Elves are up to and am thoroughly looking forward to whats in store.
September 29, 2024
RTC
Love this series.
Love this series.
June 16, 2021
MacHalo Buddy Read
I absolutely adore this series.
April 12, 2020
This read like a bridge book and I'm hoping that there are some huge developments for the h in the next book. The action was good as was the family time. However, I still struggled with how little the h knew about herself and her powers. Still, I'm going to read the next one.
April 27, 2020
Some Surprises in This One
*****Spoilers*****
The whole time I was reading this book, I was waiting on the other shoe to fall and for Val to be put before the Dragon Court. Thanks to Zav, she doesn't have to undergo rehabilitation which sounds horrific. Basically a mind wipe and torture for more years than she possibly has to live. That Zav continues to hang around and protect Val is puzzling to say the least, especially since he has his own agenda to figure out in pursuit of criminals for rehabilitation. He's also showing some possessiveness around other men which he explains is disrespectful for dragon kind so that's at least information that makes sense. I can say that I truly love Zav's openness. It's refreshing and really funny to sometimes see him taking colloquialisms literally.
Sindari remains a favorite, his loyalty and bickering with Val are constants and incredibly enjoyable.
We finally get to meet Thad and Amber, both more accepting of Val than I would have figured after a ten year absence from their lives on the part of Val. This book gets at an earlier review I wrote which was to wonder at how Val thought she could hide her family from her magical enemies, especially when they live so close to her and she secretly attends her daughter's sporting events on occasion. I'm hopeful that she starts to build a relationship with Amber going forward even if this book emphasized that Val's caution over the years has been for the best. Val should work it out in some way and give her and daughter a chance at more.
Val goes on an investigative mission instead of seek and destroy which is a lot of what she had been doing before. I'm encouraged to see that her assignments will be trending more towards that instead of an assassin, and her new mate Zav will ensure she sticks to the rules so that both of them can avoid being in hot water with the Dragon Court.
It seems the next in the series isn't out yet but I hope future books involve some interactions with Val's father, especially since we learn he's the elf kind ally to the dragons.
*****Spoilers*****
The whole time I was reading this book, I was waiting on the other shoe to fall and for Val to be put before the Dragon Court. Thanks to Zav, she doesn't have to undergo rehabilitation which sounds horrific. Basically a mind wipe and torture for more years than she possibly has to live. That Zav continues to hang around and protect Val is puzzling to say the least, especially since he has his own agenda to figure out in pursuit of criminals for rehabilitation. He's also showing some possessiveness around other men which he explains is disrespectful for dragon kind so that's at least information that makes sense. I can say that I truly love Zav's openness. It's refreshing and really funny to sometimes see him taking colloquialisms literally.
Sindari remains a favorite, his loyalty and bickering with Val are constants and incredibly enjoyable.
We finally get to meet Thad and Amber, both more accepting of Val than I would have figured after a ten year absence from their lives on the part of Val. This book gets at an earlier review I wrote which was to wonder at how Val thought she could hide her family from her magical enemies, especially when they live so close to her and she secretly attends her daughter's sporting events on occasion. I'm hopeful that she starts to build a relationship with Amber going forward even if this book emphasized that Val's caution over the years has been for the best. Val should work it out in some way and give her and daughter a chance at more.
Val goes on an investigative mission instead of seek and destroy which is a lot of what she had been doing before. I'm encouraged to see that her assignments will be trending more towards that instead of an assassin, and her new mate Zav will ensure she sticks to the rules so that both of them can avoid being in hot water with the Dragon Court.
It seems the next in the series isn't out yet but I hope future books involve some interactions with Val's father, especially since we learn he's the elf kind ally to the dragons.
April 26, 2021
Things are getting messy for Val and, well, now her family's involved. More specifically, her ex and her daughter. The two people she distanced herself from to keep them safe so they can't be used against her.
Yes, indeed. Life is tangled and complicated for this particular half-elf assassin.
On the plus side, Zav is...hmm, how to put it? He's definitely becoming more tolerant of Val's sarcasm and sass. He's also put himself on the line to keep her safe. Which Val appreciates, although I don't think she quite realized how much he was risking when he did what he did to help her.
Oh, hey, did I mention that even MORE dragons are popping in to see what's going on in the Earthen realm? Yeah. And these new dragons aren't nearly as easygoing as Zav. Which says a lot, really. For all his quick temper (*ahem*throwing a Jeep into a tree when he first met Val*ahem*) and disbelief that anyone, much less a human, would dare treat him with anything other than reverence and awe, the other dragons are even worse.
And, as usual, Val's right in the middle of things with her pithy comments and sarcastic responses.
That said, she's also starting to take a slightly different approach to the various magical beings she comes in contact with. By which I mean, she's not shooting first. Well, unless they come at her with claws at the ready. Yup, Val's actually stepping in to help when she can. Which id definitely a good thing.
I'm having a lot of fun with this series. Val is smart and sassy and fiercely loyal and I like that.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Yes, indeed. Life is tangled and complicated for this particular half-elf assassin.
On the plus side, Zav is...hmm, how to put it? He's definitely becoming more tolerant of Val's sarcasm and sass. He's also put himself on the line to keep her safe. Which Val appreciates, although I don't think she quite realized how much he was risking when he did what he did to help her.
Oh, hey, did I mention that even MORE dragons are popping in to see what's going on in the Earthen realm? Yeah. And these new dragons aren't nearly as easygoing as Zav. Which says a lot, really. For all his quick temper (*ahem*throwing a Jeep into a tree when he first met Val*ahem*) and disbelief that anyone, much less a human, would dare treat him with anything other than reverence and awe, the other dragons are even worse.
And, as usual, Val's right in the middle of things with her pithy comments and sarcastic responses.
That said, she's also starting to take a slightly different approach to the various magical beings she comes in contact with. By which I mean, she's not shooting first. Well, unless they come at her with claws at the ready. Yup, Val's actually stepping in to help when she can. Which id definitely a good thing.
I'm having a lot of fun with this series. Val is smart and sassy and fiercely loyal and I like that.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 11, 2020
I really enjoyed the first 2 books in this series. They were a light read while practicing self quarantine. Then in book 3 the author turns the main character into the equivalent of a dumb blond joke. After spending years distancing herself from her daughter in order to keep her safe she takes a mission in the same town her estranged family is vacationing. Not the brightest of moves but ok. Then one the way to said town she is tracked, attacked and almost killed. But instead of turning around and putting as much distance between herself and her family she continues on to town. And she is stupid enough to think this is going to end well. And I won’t even bother with the ridiculous hot tub scene. Needless to say I won’t be continuing with this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2020
Well, i really tried but will not continue this serie. With this author, i feel like i'm reading the same tropes and chatacters again and again but in different universe : snarky heroine (fun at the beginning, exhausting after a few books), attempted raped, really good banter but very light plot without any depths. Not my thing but can be enjoyed
April 21, 2020
OMFG 😍😍😍 I'M AS GIDDY AS A SCHOOLGIRL 💖💖💖
I FUCKING LOVE IT *SQUEEEEEEEE*
I NEED LIKE 10 MORE BOOKS AT LEAST *SWOON* 🐲🐲🐲
I FUCKING LOVE IT *SQUEEEEEEEE*
I NEED LIKE 10 MORE BOOKS AT LEAST *SWOON* 🐲🐲🐲
June 7, 2020
I don't feel any connection to any of the characters and the writing seems a bit too stilted to hold my interest. The romance also feels a bit forced. I think I'm done with this series.
July 4, 2020
Fast-paced, fun adventure
IMHO, this book is the best so far in the series. I saw some interesting character growth amidst the fun and funny adventure.
IMHO, this book is the best so far in the series. I saw some interesting character growth amidst the fun and funny adventure.
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